Virginia Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) Exam Prep Courses

Know exactly what to study, practice under real exam conditions, and walk into exam day confident you're preparing with the right material. Most candidates are ready to test in 4 weeks or less.

90%
First-time pass rate
Access-Until-You-Pass Guarantee
Success on your schedule

Pass Your Open-Book Virginia CBC Exam—Choose Your Study Style

 

Full-Service

$1,899.97 $1,699.97
Save $200 With Code PREP200

Our self-paced online course and learning bootcamps, exam-ready reference materials, exam simulator, and more. Get everything you need to prepare for and pass the Virginia CBC exam!

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Exam Prep Course
  • Practice Exam Simulator
  • Exam-Ready Tabbed and Highlighted Approved Book Set
  • On-Demand Access to Previous Live Class Recordings
  • Access to Biweekly Instructor Office Hours
  • On-Demand Access to Learning Bootcamps
  • Start-Up Consultation
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Online

$1,499.97 $1,299.97
Save $200 With Code PREP200

Our self-paced, expertly-taught online course, book bundle, tab set, exam simulator, and more. Acquire the knowledge and confidence you'll need!

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Exam Prep Course
  • Practice Exam Simulator
  • Access to On-Demand Videos of Previous Live Class Recordings
  • Access to Biweekly Instructor Office Hours
  • Approved Book Set for Open-Book Exam
  • Digital Highlighting Guides
  • Exam Prep Tab Set
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Book and Tab Set

$1,249.97

This package contains the following approved references and corresponding exam prep tabs for use in the Virginia Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) Exam.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Approved Reference Manuals for Open-Book Exam
  • Exam Prep Tab Set
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Access-Until-You-Pass Guarantee

We're all in on your success. If you don't pass your exam on the first try, we'll extend your course access and provide extra support to help you prepare for the next attempt—at no additional cost.

Free 6-month extensions available with proof of exam failure and an exam attempt within 6 months of purchase. $150 fee applies otherwise.

What's on the Virginia CBC Exam

The Virginia Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) exam is administered by PSI. It covers the trade knowledge required for commercial, industrial, institutional, and governmental building construction — including site work, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, thermal and moisture protection, safety, and code compliance. The exam is open book with 80 questions and a 3-hour time limit.

Total questions80
Passing score 70%
Time allowed180 min
Exam formatOpen book
Administered byPSI

EXAM CONTENT AREAS

Subject area# of questions
Site Work8
Concrete including Reinforcement9
Masonry9
Metals9
Carpentry9
Thermal and Moisture Protection8
Associated Trades (Finishes, Metal Stud Framing, Insulation, Doors & Windows)7
Safety7
Estimating and Plan Reading8
General Building Code Requirements6
Total80

RESOURCES & REQUIREMENTS

VIEW FULL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

For full details on registration, testing policies, and exam locations, refer to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.

For a complete walkthrough of the licensing process, read our guide How to Earn Your Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) License in VA.

HOW WE HELP YOU PASS

  1. 1
    Study the right material with exam-aligned content. Master the concepts and references tested on the CBC exam with focused lessons, practice questions, and study materials built around the current exam blueprint.
  2. 2
    Practice like it's test day with realistic exam simulations. Build confidence and identify knowledge gaps with practice exams that mirror the format, timing, and pressure of the actual CBC exam.
  3. 3
    Find answers faster using tabbed and highlighted references. Save valuable exam time with reference books organized for fast navigation. Whether you choose pre-tabbed and highlighted books or use our DIY tabbing and highlighting guides, you'll be equipped to locate key information quickly during the open-book exam.
  4. 4
    Follow a proven study plan designed for busy professionals. Know exactly what to study and when. Our step-by-step study plan helps you stay on track, maximize your study time, and prepare efficiently around work and life commitments.
How We Help

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a CBC and a CIC license in Virginia?

A Commercial Building Contractor (CBC) is licensed to build new commercial structures from the ground up and perform improvement and repair work on commercial properties. A Commercial Improvement Contractor (CIC) is limited to improvement and repair work on existing commercial buildings. CBC contractors must pass both the CBC trade exam and the Business Law exam through Virginia DPOR (Class C exempt).

What type of projects can a CBC contractor work on?

CBC contractors are licensed to work on commercial, industrial, institutional, and governmental buildings and structures — including new construction, renovation, repair, improvement, removal, and demolition projects in those sectors. A separate residential contractor classification is required for residential work.

Is the Virginia CBC exam open book?

Yes. You can bring approved reference materials into the testing center. But with 80 questions in 180 minutes, knowing how to find answers fast matters just as much as knowing the material. Our pre-tabbed books are built for exactly that.

What is the passing score for the Virginia CBC exam?

You need to answer at least 56 out of 80 questions correctly — a score of 70% — to pass the Virginia CBC exam. The exam is administered by PSI and covers commercial construction topics including site work, concrete, masonry, metals, carpentry, and building code requirements.

Do I need the Business Law exam for a CBC license?

Yes. Virginia requires all contractor license applicants to pass the Business Law exam in addition to the CBC trade exam (Class C exempt).

What Virginia Contractors are Saying

I completed the pre-license course and had a great experience. The online format made it convenient to work at my own pace, and the platform was easy to navigate, even for someone who isn’t very tech‑savvy.

Virginia CTC Student

NC Building Contractor · Passed 2023

The exam covers a lot of material. The course sifted through all of that content and highlighted the relevant information I needed. It takes time and commitment to get through it, but it's worth it.

Virginia CTC Student

NC JL Building Contractor · Passed 2023

I highly recommend taking advantage of instructor office hours. That's where the course really started to click for me.

Virginia CTC Student

NC Building Contractor · Passed 2023

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